10 Apr
Vancouver Video Tours

Four Seasons Vancouver Kitchen Tour



The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver’s Kids in the City program offers great on-site activities to keep the younger ones in the group entertained with an activity room full of games and crafts, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchens within the hotel.

Executive sous chef Craig Dryhurst of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver gave Emma and Olivia Been their own private tour, complete with a gingerbread man-making contest. Check out our video and see who wins.

Read more at

source

16 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Vancouver, A Year Round Vacation Destination

Vancouver, British Columbia has consistently been ranked n the top of the world's most desirable places to live in the world. The openness, quality of life, the diversity of outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains and the ocean at your doorstep as well as the modern cosmopolitan city center and natural beauty all help to make this world class city truly unique. Not planning on living in Vancouver? Well you should at least visit to see for yourself what all the excitement is about!

Any time of the year you visit this gem of the Pacific Northwest will prove to be a memorable one. In the winter season you have all the mountain activities from heli-skiing to dog sledding in Whistler to snowshoeing or romantic log cabin dining in the Coastal Mountains. Enjoy an authentic Canadian mid-winter evening by catching a National Hockley League game at the Rogers Arena in the heart of downtown as the local Canucks team takes on a visiting challenger. Demand for tickets are extremely high so be sure to book your seats in advance or you can always see what's available, usually at a premium, outside the stadium right before game time. Dining in Vancouver is wonderful year round; However, it is especially delightful in one of the many cozy restaurants on a brisk night with perfectly prepared local seafood hot out of the kitchen served with wine from one of british columbia's growing and acclaimed vineyards. The fireside ambiance in a dimly lit soothing environment really is the perfect evening out.

During the summer season the ocean is made more accessible by the perfectly hot temperatures from June to August but that does not mean the mountains are out play. You can hike on established or less trekked trails throughout the surrounding area of ​​Vancouver and feel as if you are 1000 miles away into the wilderness. You must be careful and take the proper precautions with local wildlife but a single or multi-day trip into the mountains and surrounding valleys is always a rejuvenating and empowering experience. Getting into the ocean by boat or on one of the many world-class beaches that surround the city will give you a real sense of the delights of these West Coast paradise. Sailing, swimming, yachting, kayaking, whale watching or just chilling on the beach, your day with the Pacific Ocean will be unforgettable. Spend the evening in one of the many restaurants of Vancouver or go for a stroll around Stanley Park to watch the sunset. Be sure to check out what festivals and shows are going on in Vancouver while you are there are the city attracts many international events and acts. Annual events that often draw a great deal of attention are the Celebrations of Lights fireworks show, Bard on the Beach Shakespear Festival, International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Sun Run and much more.

When planning your vacation to Vancouver be sure to pick the time of year that best suits what you're looking for. Also, the city and surrounding area is quite large and the sites are not always accessible through the public transportation system. Consider renting a vehicle for you stay to ensure you get to see everything you want to on your schedule with the efficient guidance of a GPS so you don't get lost on your way.

Vancouver has established itself as a world-class livable city and since the 2010 Winter Olympic games is establishing itself as a top vacation destination. Any time of the year it provides everything you would want from a relaxing destination holiday or an action packed adventure. Ensure you get to where you want to go in a timely manner by renting a vehicle to eliminate any hassles or unnecessary travel time.

Source by Sean Stagen

12 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Vancouver, A Year Round Vacation Destination

Vancouver, British Columbia has consistently been ranked n the top of the world's most desirable places to live in the world. The openness, quality of life, the diversity of outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains and the ocean at your doorstep as well as the modern cosmopolitan city center and natural beauty all help to make this world class city truly unique. Not planning on living in Vancouver? Well you should at least visit to see for yourself what all the excitement is about!

Any time of the year you visit this gem of the Pacific Northwest will prove to be a memorable one. In the winter season you have all the mountain activities from heli-skiing to dog sledding in Whistler to snowshoeing or romantic log cabin dining in the Coastal Mountains. Enjoy an authentic Canadian mid-winter evening by catching a National Hockley League game at the Rogers Arena in the heart of downtown as the local Canucks team takes on a visiting challenger. Demand for tickets are extremely high so be sure to book your seats in advance or you can always see what's available, usually at a premium, outside the stadium right before game time. Dining in Vancouver is wonderful year round; However, it is especially delightful in one of the many cozy restaurants on a brisk night with perfectly prepared local seafood hot out of the kitchen served with wine from one of british columbia's growing and acclaimed vineyards. The fireside ambiance in a dimly lit soothing environment really is the perfect evening out.

During the summer season the ocean is made more accessible by the perfectly hot temperatures from June to August but that does not mean the mountains are out play. You can hike on established or less trekked trails throughout the surrounding area of ​​Vancouver and feel as if you are 1000 miles away into the wilderness. You must be careful and take the proper precautions with local wildlife but a single or multi-day trip into the mountains and surrounding valleys is always a rejuvenating and empowering experience. Getting into the ocean by boat or on one of the many world-class beaches that surround the city will give you a real sense of the delights of these West Coast paradise. Sailing, swimming, yachting, kayaking, whale watching or just chilling on the beach, your day with the Pacific Ocean will be unforgettable. Spend the evening in one of the many restaurants of Vancouver or go for a stroll around Stanley Park to watch the sunset. Be sure to check out what festivals and shows are going on in Vancouver while you are there are the city attracts many international events and acts. Annual events that often draw a great deal of attention are the Celebrations of Lights fireworks show, Bard on the Beach Shakespear Festival, International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Sun Run and much more.

When planning your vacation to Vancouver be sure to pick the time of year that best suits what you're looking for. Also, the city and surrounding area is quite large and the sites are not always accessible through the public transportation system. Consider renting a vehicle for you stay to ensure you get to see everything you want to on your schedule with the efficient guidance of a GPS so you don't get lost on your way.

Vancouver has established itself as a world-class livable city and since the 2010 Winter Olympic games is establishing itself as a top vacation destination. Any time of the year it provides everything you would want from a relaxing destination holiday or an action packed adventure. Ensure you get to where you want to go in a timely manner by renting a vehicle to eliminate any hassles or unnecessary travel time.

Source by Sean Stagen

16 Feb
Vancouver Tours Blog

Study in Canada – Five Main Reasons to Choose a Canadian Destination

Are you looking to study abroad in the near future? If yes, then studying in Canada can be the perfect opportunity for you. As a developed country with an undisputed reputation for education and immigration opportunities, Canada has a lot to offer to the young as well as to senior individuals.

The following are some of the reasons why you should study in Canada.

Lower living costs

Living costs and tuition fees are one of the most important aspects that students look for when choosing a location to study abroad. Canada, by many standards, is far cheaper for pursuing your academic goals than other countries such as UK and the US. A brief comparison between Toronto and London revealed that rents in London were more than 120% higher than those in Toronto. Similarly, other living expenses such as restaurant prices and groceries were also higher in London than in Toronto.

While the cost of living varies between cities, Canada is far cheaper than other countries such as UK.

Exceptional academic opportunities and scholarships

Canada offers a number of good quality higher education opportunities for international students. There are a number of scholarships that students can apply and easily qualify for to obtain a significant source of funding and study at a fraction of their tuition fees.

Among the most popular scholarships are:

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme

University of Calgary Graduate Studies Award

Concordia University Undergraduate Scholarships

In addition to the higher education scholarships, there are also a number of language courses such as the ESL and FSL programs along with other examinations such as TOEFL and GMAT. Therefore, students who wish to learn English to better reap the benefits from their time in Canada do not need to worry about finding good language courses.

Promising career opportunities

International students can easily obtain permits for part-time job opportunities on-campus and other sites. Students who wish to work longer hours can apply for work permits. There are also a lot of promising career opportunities for international students. Universities in Canada have links to around 5,000 collaboration agreements worldwide that can greatly benefit international students in establishing their careers.

Suitable weather conditions

Contrary to what many people would think, the weather in Canada is not just limited to winter. Rather, there are four distinct seasons which means students can enjoy the warm afternoon sun as well as the snowfall.

During the summer season, there is plenty of sunshine for you to take a casual walk in the park with your friends or family members. In fact, Vancouver is known for its oceanic climate and in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, temperatures can get very high during the summer.

Multicultural society

Canada is home to a multicultural society with people from different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. Students who seek to study in Canada will never have to worry about experiencing a culture shock and miss their families back home as there are plenty of student societies for different countries such as Asian, Arab, Indian, and more. Moreover, the unending variety of cuisines that can easily be found on-campus and in city centers undoubtedly makes Canada a gastronome’s paradise.

The aforementioned reasons are sufficient to say that Canada is a perfect destination for you to pursue your academic interests and establish your career with a strong footing. In addition to the educational and career opportunities, the suitable climate, welcoming society, and the lower living costs, leave little room for anyone one to have second thoughts.

Source by Verna Quinn

15 Jan
Vancouver Tours Blog

Finding the Perfect Romantic Destination This Christmas

As the nights draw in and the weather takes a chilling turn, our thoughts turn more and more towards Christmas. More specifically, where will you be spending it? More and more couples are choosing to get away from it all over the holiday period and rekindle their love in a foreign city. After all, what could be more romantic than enjoying the snowy street scenes over a shared cup of steaming Viennese coffee, or walking hand in hand down a cobbled Seville street lit by fairy lights?

Here are just three romantic spots to think about this Christmas.

Seville

This passionate southern city, home of Carmen, Flamenco and the Giralda, retains the personal warmth and traditional charm that make a holiday in the real Spain a wonderful experience, worlds away from the stereotyped Costa break.

A series of processions and festive events, from the student concert at the cathedral for the Immaculate Conception (8th December), to the jubilant celebrations on the Nochebuena (New Year's Eve), conspire to make sure that you will never be at a loss as to what to do.

Alternatively, take a slower pace. Wander the pretty passages of this ancient city in search of Gothic and Moorish architectural gems, some of which double as hotels, and admire the many beautiful belenes, detailed life-size nativity scenes.

Copenhagen

If you like your Christmas a little more traditional, you could do far worse than to head to Denmark's magical capital. Copenhagen is famed for its statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to its most celebrated author, Hans Christian Andersen.

The Tivoli Gardens are a must see attraction. Set among 15 acres of charming parkland, this is the second oldest amusement park in the world, and incorporates a theater, concert hall, and amusement rides. At Christmas time, the small villages in the park come alive with a spectacle of lights and stalls offering warming food and drink ideally suited to the Scandinavian winter.

Edinburgh

The attractions of Scotland's historic and elegant capital are no secret. Hailed as a jewel of the North, Edinburgh has a rich cultural heritage and plenty to offer today's traveler in search of a romantic break.

The charming streets and squares of Edinburgh's Georgian New Town are an ideal place to ramble together as the streetlights flicker on in the early evening. When darkness falls, find refuge in one of the many cozy and exclusive wine bars or hotels nearby, or seek out a more traditional hearty Scottish pub and enjoy a glass of mead or mulled wine.

And don't forget the castle. The solid reminder of Edinburgh's long and often turbulent past stands atop Castle Rock, and will become as familiar and reassuring as an old friend. To pay a visit to the historic heart of the city is to fully appreciate the richness of Edinburgh, a modern city with its splendid roots intact.

Other highlights

Be inventive in your search for a getaway spot this Christmas. Avoid the madding crowds and crammed hotels by exploring other less notorious but nonetheless wonderful cities such as Berlin and Munich, with their famous German Christmas markets, and Vancouver, Canada's best-kept secret.

Source by Helen Unwin

18 Apr
Vancouver Tours Blog

Eureka Springs, Arkansas – An Ideal Travel Destination in the USA

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is an extraordinary travel destination in the USA. Visited by thousands of visitors around the globe, this beautiful place is best known for its rich history, magnificent Victorian homes, and the trolley tour that take visitors around the city. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the area is the elegant, 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. Situated downtown in the historical city, this wonderful hotel is popular for the vibrant history that surrounds it and makes it worth a visit. As you enter the soaring hotel building, you can experience the old charm of the Victorian era.

The best way to tour this historic city is to take a horse drawn carriage ride. In case you are not interested in the traditional carriage ride, you can choose the trolley ride to tour the city. The trolley services are extremely inexpensive and are best suited for those who are traveling on a strict budget. One trolley ride pass costs just $ 2, a full day pass costs $ 4, and a 2-day pass merely $ 6. However, if you buy the 2-day pass, you are required to use it on 2 consecutive days. If you are traveling with kids, traveling become cheaper, with the trolley passes for kids charging just $ 1 per ride.

Special tram tours are also available but are a bit pricey. These trams function on a daily basis from March 4 to October 30. In November, the service is made available Thursday through Monday, while in December, it operates on a limited schedule. You can also opt for the special narrated tram tours. The detailed information regarding the trolley and tram tours can be obtained either at the visitor information center or in travel guides available online.

Another major point of tourist interest in Eureka Springs is the Opera in the Ozarks. The productions are stupendous and exceptionally talented artists travel to the area just to take part in this grand opera festival. During every season, three foremost operas are performed here-two in English and the third one in the proportional regional language. Eureka Springs has a lot more to offer and is certainly an ideal holiday destination in the USA.

Source by Eshwarya Patel

28 Nov
Vancouver Tours Blog

Presenting: Ottawa – Canada’s Capital and An Exciting Travel Destination

In anticipation of my upcoming trip to Ottawa next weekend I have started to do some research and contacted Ottawa Tourism. Ottawa, as Canada’s capital, is one of Canada’s most popular travel destinations and it has a great variety destinations, activities and events to offer.

I had an opportunity to talk with Jantine Van Kregten from Ottawa Tourism who was kind enough to give me a great general overview of things to see and do in Ottawa.

1. Please provide us with some general information about Ottawa. How large is the city, where is it located, what is the weather like?

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and its fourth largest city. With the neighbouring city of Gatineau in the province of Quebec, the region has about 1.2 million people. Ottawa is located in eastern Ontario, about four hours’ drive northeast of Toronto; two hours west of Montreal; and one hour north of the border with the state of New York.

Ottawa enjoys four distinct seasons, with warmest temperatures and sometimes high humidity in July and August; a temperate fall with gorgeous fall colours; a cold and snowy winter; and a wet spring.

2. How can one get to Ottawa and what is the best way of getting around in Ottawa?

Ottawa is accessible with direct flights from major centres in Canada and several U.S. cities including New York, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and more. Ottawa is a major stop along the Windsor-Quebec City corridor of VIA Rail and bus service also links the city with other Canadian cities.

By car, major thoroughfares include Highway 416 that links Ottawa with Highway 401. Highway 417 runs through the city, while Autoroutes 5, 50 and 148 are the major highways on the Quebec side of the river.

3. Ottawa is Canada’s capital and has played a significant role in the history of this country. Please tell us more about that and the Canadian Heritage Experiences offered in Ottawa.

The story of Ottawa begins with the building of the Rideau Canal between 1826 and 1832 by Lt. Col. John By of the Royal Engineers and thousands of mostly Irish labourers. The Canal stretches 202 km (126 miles) through eastern Ontario to the St. Lawrence River and was built to ensure a supply line in case of American attack (which never came). The Canal was never used for a military purpose and its 49 locks are still operated in the same way as when they were built. In fact, the Rideau Canal is Canada’s nominee to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is expected in 2007, the 175th anniversary of its construction.

Queen Victoria decreed in 1857 that Ottawa would be the capital of the country that became Canada. The majestic Parliament Buildings were constructed shortly thereafter and remain a “must-see” attraction in the capital. As the capital, Ottawa is also home to 24 Sussex Drive (the prime minister’s residence and not open to the public); Rideau Hall (home of the Governor General, with guided tours of residence and gardens available); and dozens of high commissions and embassies from governments around the world.

Don’t miss Laurier House, home to both Sir Wilfrid Laurier and WIlliam Lyon Mackenzie King, two former prime ministers, or the Mackenzie King Estate, King’s summer home in Gatineau Park.

4. Please tell us about some of the major attractions, museums and galleries in the Ottawa area.

The latest addition to the national museum scene is the impressive Canadian War Musuem, which opened in May 2005 in a stunning location next to the Ottawa River. Canada’s most-visited museum is Gatineau’s Canadian Museum of Civilization. The National Gallery of Canada offers the largest collection of Canadian art, along with European and American masters. Other cultural facilities include the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography; the Canada Aviation Museum; the Canada Science and Technology Museum; the Canada Agriculture Museum; the Royal Canadian Mint; the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada; and the Canadian Museum of Nature, currently in the midst of a massive renovation project, to be completed in 2009.

Other museums include the Bytown Museum, which tells the history of Ottawa’s early days, including the building of the Rideau Canal; the Billings Estate Museum that traces the history of a prominent local family; and the funky Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum, a four-storey underground bunker that was constructed between 1959 and 1961 as the location to which the Canadian political and military elite would ride out the effects of a nuclear attack.

5. Our readers would like to find out about the festivals and special events in Ottawa.

The festival scene in Ottawa is a robust, year-round affair. The year kicks off with Winterlude, a huge winter festival held over the first three weekends in February. In March, the Irish community celebrates Irish week, and in March and April, the maple syrup season spawns a number of delicious festivals and events celebrating this tasty treat.

May belongs to the Canadian Tulip Festival–three weeks of celebration of Ottawa’s favourite flower. During World War II, the Dutch royal family took refuge in Ottawa and Princess Margriet was born here, in a hospital room designated Dutch soil for the event. Canadians played a huge role in liberating the Netherlands and when the royal family returned home after the war, as a gesture of friendship, respect and appreciation, they sent thousands of tulip bulbs. The bulbs have followed every year since and now 3,000,000 tulips bloom in Canada’s Capital Region.

Late May brings Canada’s largest marathon as part of the Ottawa Race Weekend. Over the summer months, festivals abound: Doors Open Ottawa showcase heritage buildings; Italian Week; the Ottawa Fringe Festival; the TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival; the Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival; Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest (Canada’s largest); the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (the world’s largest); the Sound of Light fireworks festival; Ottawa Busker Festival; Ottawa GreekFest; CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival; the Central Canada Exhibition; and Pride Week.

On Parliament Hill, two free activities occur daily in the summer: the 10:00 a.m. Changing the Guard ceremony and the evening Sound and Light Show.

In the fall, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival colours the skies; while the La Vendemmia Harvest Festival tempts visitors’ palates. The Ottawa International Animation Festival showcases artists from around the world while the Ottawa International Writers Festival provides a forum for authors’ lively debates. Fall Rhapsody celebrates the splendid autumn colours.

The capital lights up for the holidays with the Christmas Lights Across Canada program.

6. What about restaurants and entertainment / nightlife areas in Ottawa?

Several neighbourhoods offer entertainment options in Ottawa. The ByWard Market is one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods and also functions as its entertainment district, with over 100 food and drink options in just a four-block-square area. Whether it’s fine dining, a good diner, a cosy bistro, or a romantic cafe, you can find it in “the Market.”

Elgin Street is another popular nightlife area, with an eclectic selection of bars, restaurants and cafes in just a few blocks. Bank Street offers three or four distinct areas along its length, including a popular area known as the Glebe. In the near west end, Westboro is also an attractive option for dinner and drinks.

Of course, one could also choose to explore the various options at the Casino du Lac-Leamy–whether it’s gaming excitement or a show at its popular theatre or a dinner at its five-diamond restaurant Le Baccara. The region’s other five-diamond establishment (two of only 11 across Canada) is Signatures at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa.

7. Please give us an overview of the performing arts on offer in Ottawa.

The National Arts Centre is Canada’s premier performing arts centre, offering English and French theatre performances, dance, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Numerous smaller theatres also abound, in both English and French, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, La Nouvelle Scene, Ottawa Little Theatre, Third Wall Theatre Company, Odyssey Theatre (offering outdoor performances next to the Rideau River), A Company of Fools, and many productions at Arts Court, a municipal facility.

From May 18 to June 11, the Cirque du Soleil will bring its production of Quidam to Ottawa. The Canada Dance Festival takes place every two years (June 2-10, 2006) in Ottawa and the Ottawa Fringe Festival (also in June) is one of the best ways to see new productions and new innovations. In

The Centrepointe Theatre in the west end offers a variety of performances, as do the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Larger events are usually held at Scotiabank Place and the Ottawa Civic Centre.

8. What are some of the shopping opportunities in Ottawa?

Some great shopping centres exist in Ottawa, including Bayshore Shopping Centre in the west end, Rideau Centre downtown, the St. Laurent Centre in the close east end, and Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre in the east end. These centres offer the best of the well-known brands.

For more eclectic offerings, the ByWard Market neighbourhood offers great fashion and housewares; as does the Glebe, Westboro, and some small towns on both the Ontario and Quebec side of the Ottawa River–inclouding Merrickville, Manotick, Perth, Chelsea and Wakefield.

9. What are the outdoor, recreational and sports opportunities in and around Ottawa?

From a professional perspective, the Ottawa Senators are particularly beloved by Ottawans, as they march to a Stanley Cup victory! The Ottawa ’67s offer a window to the Ontario Hockey League. The Ottawa Renegades provide Canadian Football League excitement while the Ottawa Lynx are part of baseball’s International League (they’re the Triple A farm team for the Baltimore Orioles).

But sports in Ottawa are much more participatory than that. Home to hundreds of kilometres of recreational pathways, Ottawans love to cycle, inline skate and hike. The Ottawa River offers unbelievable whitewater rafting, as well as canoe and kayak adventures for the adventurous.

The highest bungee freefall in Canada is located just north of Ottawa, just outside Gatineau Park. Year-round, Gatineau Park offers something for the outdoor lover. Whether it’s camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking or swimming in summer; or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter, the Park is beloved by all in the region.

As proof of how diverse a destination Ottawa is, it’s the only location where you can skate on the world’s largest skating rink and play in the world’s largest beach volleyball tournament?

10. What type of accommodations options are there in Ottawa?

There are over 11,000 hotel rooms in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The major chains (Hilton, Fairmont, Westin, Marriott, Delta, Sheraton, Novotel, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Comfort Inn) are represented, as well as more unique offerings such as the boutique ARC the.hotel or Brookstreet Resort.

Downtown locations are within walking distance to many major attractions. Several bed-and-breakfast providers also offer a cosy alternative to hotels.

A comprehensive list of options is found at http://www.ottawatourism.ca

11. What are some of the major events and big news stories coming up in 2006 and beyond in Ottawa?

The Canadian Museum of Civilization celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2006. It began its life in May 1856, as part of the Geological Survey of Canada. The young museum grew into the National Museum of Canada and then, into the National Museum of Man. In 1986, it became the Canadian Museum of Civilization, moving into its magnificent Gatineau buildings three years later and continuing to present informative and entertaining exhibitions for a wide range of interests.

The Casino du Lac-Leamy celebrates 10 years of non-stop excitement in March 2006. Originally opened as the Casino de Hull, it has grown to be one of the top attractions in Canada’s Capital Region, offering gaming each day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.; five-diamond dining at Le Baccara; an adjoining Theatre offering matinees, musical programming, and variety shows of all kinds; docking facilities; an adjacent Hilton hotel with spa; and conference facilities. The Casino is celebrating with a series of themed activities, including the popular 7 Lucky Days promotion which offers a different promotion each day of the week.

Emily Carr is the featured exhibition from June 2 through September 3, 2006 at the National Gallery of Canada. Her paintings of First Nations villages and landscapes of the northwest Pacific coast, including many images of totem poles, help define Canadian art, especially that of the early 1900s.

In the third Indiana Jones movie, the climactic scene took place in a spectacular desert location carved into the side of a cliff. That venue is part of Petra, located in Jordan, and from April 7, 2006 through January 2, 2007, you can learn more at the Canadian Museum of Civilization’s exhibition PETRA: City of Stone.

The Seven Years War is the focus of a new exhibit at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa’s newest cultural attraction which opened with much fanfare in May 2005. The exhibit Clash of Empires: The War That Made Canada runs from May 18 to November 12.

Outdoor activities are a crucial part of Ottawans’ lives. This summer, residents will be able to relish in others’ accomplishments, too, as Ottawa plays host to more than 3,500 athletes and coaches during the 2006 Ontario Summer Games from August 9 to 13, 2006.

Québec Scene: April/May 2007: The National Arts Centre has played host to two previous “scenes”–Atlantic Scene in 2003 and Alberta Scene in 2005–and in 2007, it’s Québec’s turn to shine, as the very best of its theatre, music, dance, comedy, culinary arts, literature and film forms the basis of this cultural festival.

Treasures from Beijing: May 11-September 30, 2007: At the Canadian Museum of Civilization, learn more about the development of Chinese civilization while viewing selected treasures from the National Museum of China. There will also be an attempt to provide a glimpse of China’s recent history, including economic reforms and the Olympic Games bid.

Renoir’s Landscapes: June 8-September 9, 2007: One of the best-loved of all the Impressionists, Renoir will be front and centre next summer at the National Gallery of Canada.

FIFA World Youth Championship 2007: July 1-22, 2007: Ottawa has been selected as one of six Canadian host cities for this three-week, 24-nation, 52-match tournament featuring the best youth (under-20) soccer players in the world. It is the second largest event staged by FIFA, following the FIFA World Cup.

Rideau Canal as UNESCO World Heritage Site: The heritage Rideau Canal, stretching 202 km from Ottawa to Kingston, is Canada’s entry to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation should be received in time for the 175th anniversary of the completion of the Canal in 2007.

Portrait Gallery of Canada: Following last spring’s opening of the new Canadian War Museum, the next major cultural institution planned for Ottawa is the Portrait Gallery of Canada, due to open across the street from Parliament Hill in late 2007.

Thank you, Jantine, for providing such a great overview of all the things Ottawa has to offer. You have given me some great ideas for my trip next week and possible future excursions over the coming year.

Source by Susanne Pacher

02 Sep
Vancouver Tours Blog

Best Vacation Destination in South America

Looking for an exciting new vacation destination? Look no further than Florianopolis, Brazil.

Florianopolis is a charming island located two hours south of the famous Rio de Janeiro. Florianopolis is blessed with 42 beautiful beaches, one more eye pleasing than the next, and with styles and atmospheres to fit every taste imaginable. In addition, the island is blessed with soft white sand dunes, rolling green hills and crystalline lagoons. Truly a nature lover's paradise, one can continuously find new treasures on the island.

Out of island's many beaches, there are over 20 high quality surf breaks, providing almost unlimited choices and variety for visiting surfers, and as such is known as the surf capital of Brazil. The WCT Pro Tour (the highest level surf competition in the world) has only 12 stops around the globe, and the only one in all of South America is in Florianopolis. So if the waves are good enough for Slater, Irons & co., Then that is already a pretty good sign!

In addition to the island's stunning natural beauty, visitors will also be astounded by the amazing dining and nightlife options on the island, some of South America's best, as well as the broad array of outdoor activities available for sporting enthusiasts and fine shopping for the shop -a-holics. Completely safe (unlike Brazil's largest urban mega-centers such as Sao Paulo and Rio), Florianopolis has retained the feel of a sleepy beach town despite being a state capital and having grown quite a bit in its own right after landing on the international radar screen just a few short years ago.

The "magic island" as many refer to it has an uncanny effect of enchanting visitors from around the globe, many of what leave with dreams of coming back – not just to visit, but to live!

Recently named by Newsweek international as one of the world's "top 10 most dynamic cities", Florianopolis truly has something to offer for anyone. So if you're looking for travel ideas, mark this one on the top of the list!

As far as the best ways to see Florianopolis if you're coming from the United States or Europe, consider these two options:

For those interested in full service surf / adventure tours which also include guided nightlife access, the best choice is Nexus Surf. Visit http://www.nexussurf.com .

For those looking for deluxe to high-end accommodations in the best location on the island (remember, there are 42 beaches to choose from, so choose wisely!), Floripa Vacation Homes offers an excellent selection of well-maintained private residences and also provides a number of auxiliary services to complete your stay on the island, including concierge services to help you find exactly what you're looking for in terms of activities, services, dining and nightlife!

For more information, visit http://www.floripavacationhomes.com

Source by Tatiana Marques

14 Aug
Vancouver Tours Blog

Destination Singapore

Simply one of the most exciting metropolises to visit and vacation destination beyond compare, this island country has and continues to enthrall millions across the world. A famous and thriving cosmopolitan city that it is, no wonder then that you'll find plenty of cheap flights to Singapore. Whoever referred to it as the "little red dot" probably has not seen the country in its own splendor. Overflowing with diversity as well as multiplicity of cultures, language, arts and architecture, the country offers more than just a world-class living environment.

The ubiquitous collage of myriad cultures, different ethnicities and beliefs coexisting and much more, Singapore is easily one of the places to visit in Asia. It is an inspiring nation replete with a landscape populated with skyscrapers and beautiful parks and gardens, a stunning seascape, and warm and hospitable locales. A trip is to Singapore is exciting, relaxing, enriching and juts unforgivable, all at once. If you are in Singapore for a few days, you might want to extend your stay. There's just so much to do and see here that most tourist come here well-equipped with a rather long stay. Singapore's dynamic and oh-so vibrant art scene is a feast for the senses. Take a trip to several of the art museums, general and specialist galleries, and exhibition spaces for some dekko at the works of international and local artists. Explore its vast ecosystem comprising great bounties of nature and wildlife.

Take a tour of the rainforests and wetlands for an undisturbed experience, or simply walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and parks on the island, they are one too many here. if you happen to be visiting Singapore with family then a trip to Sentosa is a must. Offering the very best in thrilling entertainment for the young and the old alike, it is a one-in-all attraction that is ideal for a family getaway. Make merry through DUCK or HIPPO tours, thrill yourself silly by doing adventure sports, go around the man-made island atop an open-air bus, experience exotic marine life, or party by the beach after sunset. The safest place to be in, Singapore offers bright lights as company even at 2am in the morning. Sometimes you want to be where all the action is, feel like being in the middle of all the hustle-bustle is. That's exactly why places like Boat-Quay and Clark-Quay are big hits amongst nighttime revelers. A range of restaurants to choose from, a wide variety of discotheques, pubs and bars to pick from and the company of beautiful lake by your side, what more could one ask for?

Singapore is hugely popular not for the diversity in experiences that it offers but also the fact that it welcomes all kinds of tourists. You could wish a luxurious stay here or just make do with a cheap hotel and a cheaper car rental service, surround yourself with all the indulgences or be happy with stay in a bed and breakfast and all the freebies that the place has to offer. No matter what you want and how you want it, you'll find it here.

Source by Shll Disuja

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